Design and Development of a Cutting and Lifting

Mechanism for a Lemon Grass Harvester

By

Low Kok Huan

A PROJECT REPORT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
(AGRICULTURAL AND BIOSYSTEMS)

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

UNVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA

SERDANG, SELANGOR

MAY 2011
 ABSTRACT

The design and development of a cutting and lifting mechanism for a lemon grass

harvester are described. The experimental unit of harvester is fully tractor mounted to

facilitate its maneuverability. However, there are several important factors affecting its

performance. The harvesting operation is automatic because the harvester experimental

unit have a pair of lagging cutter bar with horizontal wide V-shape of 150 degrees angle

to break the soil layer of 10cm depth of ridge, thus its passive force driven lifting

mechanism of lemon grass clump will act to facilitate that inclined movement of lemon

grass clump upward with tractor speed to a roller conveyor which its speed is 1.5 times

faster than that of tractor.

I
 ABSTRAK

Rekabentuk dan pembangunan mekanisme pemotongan dan pengangkatan bagi sebuah

penurai serai dijelaskan. Unit eksperimen bagi penurai dipasang sepenuhnya di traktor

untuk memudahkan pergerakannya. Namun, ada beberapa faktor penting yang

mempengaruhi prestasi. Operasi tuai dijalankan secara automatik kerana unit

eksperimen bagi penuarai ini memiliki sepasang pisau pemotong dengan bentuk

melintang lebar-V dari sudut 150 darjah untuk memecahkan lapisan tanah kedalaman

10cm ridge, seterusnya mekanisme pengangkatan pasif akan mendorong rumpun serai

terangkat untuk memudahkan gerakan cenderung rumpun serai ke atas dengan kelajuan

traktor ke conveyor roller yang kelajuan adalah 1.5 kali lebih cepat daripada traktor.

II
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to thank my supervisor Dr Rimfiel for his interest and advices as well as En

Zainal, En Anwar, and other technicians for their technical support and assistances. I

appreciated the courage and actions supported from my precious faculty member,

Kimmy Bong, Robin Liew and fellow course mates, KBP 07/08. Thank you.

III
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ABSTRACT I
ABSTRAK II
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS III
TABLE OF CONTENT IV
LIST OF TABLES V
LIST OF FIGURES VI

CHAPTER
1 INTRODUCTION 1
1.1 Objectives 2
2 LITERATURE REVIEW 3
2.1 Agronomy of lemon grass 3
2.2 Production areas 4
2.3 Harvesting 5
2.4 Soil requirements 6
2.5 Planting spacing 6
2.6 Other root crop harvester 8
2.7 Conceptual design of
lemon grass harvester by Hafiz 9
2.8 Cutter bar 12
3 METHODOLOGY 15
3.1 Introduction 15
3.2 Design requirements 16
3.3 Configuration option 17
3.4 Design concept 21
3.5 Blade for soil root cutting mechanism 22
3.6 Component for lifting mechanism 24
3.7 Conveyor 26
3.8 Design calculation
3.8.1 Draft force 28
3.8.2 Supporting leg 30
3.8.3 Radder bars 36
3.8.4 Roller conveyor 38
3.9 Laboratory testing 42

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 43

5 CONCLUSIONS 48
REFERENCE 50
APPENDICES 53

IV
 LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

3.1 Description of sketches of concept design of

lemon grass harvester 18

3.2 The sketches show the variety of shape of cutting blade. 23

3.3 Length of radder bars which attached to a soil cutting blade 34

3.4 The related data of sprocket in chain

transmission system (Pitch 12.7 mm) 41

V
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

2.1 Planting spacing lemon grass. 7

2.2 Prepared lemon grass ready for marketing. 7

2.3 The width and height of a lemon grass clump. 10

2.4 Heterotypic harvester and mower blades. 13

2.5 Cutter bars. 14

3.0 Sketch of the experimental unit of lemon grass harvester 21

3.1 Soil-root cutting blade and its radder bars. 25

3.2 Opening angle of cutting blade 25

3.3 Depth of a supporting leg during operation is carried out. 31

3.4 A supporting leg in cantilever condition. 31

3.5 Shear force and bending moment diagram for cantilever beam
of a supporting leg. 32

3.6 Uniform load distribution is applied on the radder bars. 36

3.7 Shear force and bending moment diagram of radder bars system. 37

3.8 Sprocket system configuration. 38

VI
4.1 Front view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester. 45

4.2 Right-hand side view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester . 45

4.3 Left-hand side view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester. 46

4.4 Back view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester. 46

4.5 Top view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester. 46

4.6 Connection between the frame and supporting leg. 47

4.7 Cutting blades and its radder bars. 47

4.8 Chain transmission system. 47

VII
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

The Malaysian agriculture is dominated by cash crop plantation of oil palm trees

and its related technologies were advanced mostly compared to that of other crops.

However, local organic food industry especially organic herbal industry has grown up

gradually in recent years. For instance, lemon grass also known as `Serai’ in its Malay

name, it is a fragrant ever-green tropical grass with citrus lemon flavor. Lemon grasses

are used in distilling processes for producing essential oil, namely, citronella oil which

is a raw material in pharmaceutical purposes besides in domestic use for preparing

Malaysian favorite citrus spices either in form of dried and powdered, or used fresh.

With having intensive uses in daily life, wise consumers always demanded high quality

and value-added agricultural product in large volume. Unfortunately, the most critical

obstacle the organic herbal industry facing is mechanical transformation. Currently,

there is no mechanization is used in lemon grass plantation either in planting or

harvesting operation (Hafiz, 2008) except simple gardening tool.

Furthermore, limited manual lemon grass harvesting capacity caused farmers

suffered high labor cost per day (Hj Saudi bin Hj Hamid, 2008). Manual harvesting of

entire plant clump, for example, chopping and pulling out the clump from ground

require a lot great efforts and experiences. Other factor is shortage of labor in

agricultural sector due to migration to urban area.

1
 Besides that, time consuming manual operation in lemon grass plantation will

affect the commodity competence, in particular, in export market. "We will work with

two French companies to market the products in France where demand for our oil

extracts has grown by leaps and bounds," said by Malacca Biotechnology Corp's Chief

Executive Officer Zam Abdul Karim. To satisfy high demands from essential oil

processing industry, mechanical harvesting surely helps farmers increase their lemon

grass harvesting production in aspect of saving harvesting time. However, there is no

suitable lemon grass lifting machine except chop, hoe, and cutter such simple

equipment.

This project aims to design and develop a cutting and uplifting mechanism of

tractor mounted lemon grass harvester with suitable root-cutting and lifting mechanisms

for small scale production.

1.1 Objectives:

The research objectives of this project were to:

1. Design and fabricate a suitable cutting blade for soil-root cutting mechanism

2. Design and fabricate a component for lifting mechanism

3. Investigate the ability of the completed cutting and lifting mechanism to respond

to rotational inputs of the PTO connection.

2
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Agronomy of lemon grass

The lemon grasses belong to the family Gramineae. Its scientific name is

Cymbopogon marginatus and etc. The genus has about 55 species. Two major types

have considerable relevance for commercial use: East Indian lemongrass, Cymbopogon

flexuosus, which is also known as Cochin or Malabar grass, and is native to India and

Sri Lanka. And West Indian lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus, which is native to

southern India, Ceylon, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The lemon grass is a tropical perennial crop typically planted in rows. It requires

average rainfall distribution of about 2,000-2,500 mm in a year. It grows well in range

of mineral soil to peat soil and in altitude of 600-1,500 m. The ideal climate for growing

lemon grass is tropical or subtropical climate. It is grown by propagation. Propagation is

achieved by dividing the root clump. The plants grow in dense clumps up to 2 meters in

diameter and have leaves up to 1 meter long.

Hafiz (2008) presented useful information of plant’s physical dimension, root

depth, planting row and hill spacing. This information was crucial in understanding of

nature of plant and its planting considerations.

Hafiz (2008) also provided the some basic operational cost per acre about lemon

grass. Since no mechanical harvesting method is available locally, he described about

3
local harvesting procedure of lemon grass while suggesting a conceptual design of

lemon grass harvester to help increase farmer’s performance.

2.2 Production areas

Lemon grass is a herb identified for agriculture development and an important

source of income with the East Coast Economic Region (ECER) states of Pahang,

Terengganu, Kelantan and the district of Mersing, Johor. For example, BIO Daun Sdn

Bhd is farming the lemon grass on 121 ha of land in both Kelantan and Pahang. (BIO

Daun Plantation Sdn Bhd, 2008)

Internationally, lemon grass is grown through Africa, in the Democratic

Republic of the Congo (DRC), Angola, Gabon, Chad, Central African Republic,

Madagascar and Comoros Islands. Guatemala is known to be the leading exporter with

about 250 000 kg per year. China produces 80 000 to 100 000 kg per year. The United

States of America (USA) and former Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR) import

approximately 70 000 kg per year each, the United Kingdom 65 000 kg, France and

Japan 35 000 kg each, and West Germany around 20 000 kg per year. (Department of

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Republic of South Africa, 2009)

4
2.3 Harvesting

The harvest can take place from 6 to 9 months after planting the slips. The grass

can then be harvested frequently during the active growing season, up to once every

month. Frequent cutting stimulates growth. The oil yield will be reduced if the plant is

allowed to grow to too large. The grass should be harvested early in the morning,

provided it is not raining and allowing heavy dew to evaporate in order to avoid colour

loss during a hot day.

The plants are harvested mechanically or by hand. Cut the grass 10-15 cm above

ground level. Avoid cutting too low as it will delay regrowth. Prevent splitting or

cutting edges by using sharp tools and machinery that make clear cut. Oil quantity is

optimal in the upper parts of the plant. Should the grass be cut too low, there will be less

oil in the leaves. In South Africa, there are up to three harvests can be obtained in the

first year and up to 5 to 10 harvests during each of the 3 to 5 succeeding years,

depending on soil moisture status, management and weather. This is because the yield

of oil is less during the first year of establishment and increase in the second year and

reaches a maximum in the third and fourth years, after which it declines. For

economical purpose, the plantation is maintained only for 6 years. (Department of

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Republic of South Africa, 2009)

In fact, Malaysian farmers adopt other farming and harvesting practices of

lemon grass. The lemon grass is usually harvested twice a year (Hafiz, 2008). For this

farming practice, farmers should harvest the grass by hand 10-15 cm above ground level

when the grass matures. Six months later, a clear cut of the grass include its root should

5
be removed by machinery and then be preparing for next planting season of lemon grass.

The objectives of this project serve for the final harvesting of the grass mechanically.

2.4 Soil requirements

Lemon grass is widely adapted to a range of soils and performs well on sandy to

clay loam soils with a PH range of 5.0 to 8.4 and good drainage. The lower the altitude

and more alkaline the soil has, the higher is the citral content of the soil. Usually, the

variety of soil with high citrates is in demand. For instance, drier and loamier soil yields

higher citral content in lemon grass. (Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries,

Republic of South Africa, 2009)

2.5 Planting spacing

Generally, a row spacing of 20 cm with a row width of 40 cm is used in, that

will give a total of 125 000 plants per ha in a high rainfall area or under irrigation.

Traditionally, the ridge is not required in plantation of lemon grass. However, a ridge of

height of 10 cm should be used for soil-root cutting operation can be carried out easily.

Also a range of row spacing of 140-200 cm should be used to accommodate the width

of a tractor. These large spacing should be utilized to plant some short term vegetables

such as eggplant, cabbage, and lettuce or intercropping with green beans as to provide

the crop with nitrogen and assist in weed control before the lemon grass matures.

6
Figure 2.1: Planting spacing lemon grass

Figure 2.2: Prepared lemon grass ready for marketing (Department of Agriculture,

Forestry and Fisheries, Republic of South Africa, 2009)

7
2.6 Other root crop harvester

Basically soil-breaking and uprooting mechanism were simultaneously applied

by almost root crop harvesters. Although agronomy of lemon grass is quite different

from other root crop, for instance, groundnut, onion, potato and other root crop types,

but these two mechanisms were needed for harvesting of lemon grass. With

modification and adaptation of each advantages of other root crop harvester over the

countries, this lemon grass harvester prototype gain benefits during its design phase.

From the literature review done by Hafiz (2008), there were many models of

peanut harvester available over many countries besides potato harvester and onion

harvester. The details about machine component and harvesting mechanisms of each

harvester have been provided in his research paper, Conceptual Development of a

Lemon Grass Harvester, 2008 p.18-25.

An improved model of groundnut harvester (1988) developed by Univesiti Putra

Malaysia (UPM) and its harvesting concept are referred intensively by this project. The

design of this model is rather machinability in nature and its functionality in harvesting

is quite good and high in efficiency.

8
2.7 Conceptual design of lemon grass harvester by Hafiz (2008)

Conceptual model of development of lemon grass harvester suggested by Hafiz

(2008) is mainly consists of leaves cutter, subsurface rotary finger reel, conveyor, and

other components.

Hafiz explained in his paper that a leaves cutting operation is carried out first

before lifting process of lemon grass. The reason for cutting the leaves is facilitate the

operation later.

Most importantly, the principle of his lifting process of subsurface rotary finger

reel is as follows: the teeth of subsurface rotary finger reel will break up the soil

structure which it is in turn automatically push clumps of lemon grass from the bottom

to the lifting system.

Hafiz also claimed that there are several important points for his system will

push and convey the clumps rather than using the root cutting method while the whole

subsurface rotary finger reel is submerged below the ground. The size (diameter, width,

and type) of subsurface rotary finger reel must be as small as possible for minimizing

the contact area between soil and subsurface rotary finger reel, thus it will reduce power

requirement. Besides that, nearly zero drawbar power requirement is needed because

the rotor tends to move the machine forward as it works.

9
With reference to his research data of parameter of a clump of lemon grass:

Parameter of lemon grass(Hafiz, 2008)

Figure 2.3: The width and height of a lemon grass clump

Average root depth = 7.2 cm

Weight = 9kg

The crop is an aromatic plant whose roots are fibrous shallow and spread into the soil,

has long leaves. The essential parts of the lemon grass are stalks and leaves. The

essential oil is extracted from fresh plant material by means of steam distillation.

There are several technical problems arisen from his design. As stated in his

paper, the coverage of maximum depth below the ground, which is 12 cm, by his

subsurface rotary finger reel since the reel is working below ground. The design depth

exceeds the average root depth of 7.2cm so that the root system of plant will be

removed. Although the teeth may be sufficiently capable to break up the soil surface,

but he did not describe the way subsurface rotary finger reel will get into the depth of

12 cm below ground especially the soil is initially firm. The case will be different if

there is either a ridge there or high moisture content of soil.

10
 Secondly, the length of shaft of subsurface rotary finger reel is too long, which

is 82 cm compared to that of the required dimension that is average clump diameter of

60 cm. The reel may face more soil resistance below the ground with its excess length

of the reel is about 22 cm. The suggested tolerance range of length should less than 5cm.

Furthermore, the design torque is also too small which is 577 Nm with 375 rpm and

safety factor of 1.2 to carry out the clump pushing work. As a result, the shaft of reel

which its dimension of 4 cm may either face reduction of revolution or varying

deflection of subsurface rotary finger reel below the ground due to imbalance loading

of clump and soil clods during the soil breaking and clump lifting processes. Further

modification is required to secure the change of deflection of shaft.

The working conditions under the soil surface will also affect the performance

of transmission system of chain for subsurface rotary finger reel. Although Hafiz

suggested a modification which is add-on of sharp metal on chain thus will help break

up the soil structure while the system of reel is rotating below the ground. But the

transmission system especially the sprocket may become either rusted or defected in a

shorter period compared to that of normal use under lubrication condition.

The problem of falling apart of clump may exist after lifting process. In his

design, the subsurface rotary finger reel has four part surface and each surface has

twenty teeth. This feature may help griping the clump as well as breaking up the soil

structure. But the base structure of clump may become loosen due to partial support of

reel of 13 cm width, thus it is falling apart during the stage from subsurface rotary

finger reel to conveyor. In addition to that, the gap between reel and belt conveyor

remained undefined. If the conveyor is too close to the surface of ground, the scattered

11
soil particles may affect the efficiency of power transmission of conveyor. Also, the

ambiguous part is unclear dimensions of sprocket.

Other problems rose, which have been stated in his paper, when using a

hydraulic motor to run the reel. Besides that, there are insufficient skills and tool to

fulfill the requirements of complex construction of curved shape of subsurface rotary

finger reel holder except special machining is ordered. As a result, a lemon grass

harvester of simpler machinability should be designed as to save cost and material.

2.8 Cutter bar

Harvest loss consists of agricultural produce that is produced but not

successfully removed from the field. There are several major categories of loss: pre-

harvest loss, gathering unit loss, and machine loss. In the agricultural sector, the harvest

loss of grain, for example soybean, is severe. Poor field conditions and a poorly

adjusted combine may contribute to harvest loss of 6-8 bushels of soybeans per acre.

Harvesting losses cannot be completely eliminated, but they can be reduced to only 1-2

bushels per acre if the performance of the combine is maintained regularly.

(Cooperative Extension Service, Lowa State University, 1984). The cutter bar is the

major cause of field harvesting loss, accounting for about 80% of combine header

harvesting loss of soybean ( Quick, 1973; Dunn et al., 1973). Research results by Dunn

et al.(1973) on soybean asserted that harvesting loss were caused by the cutter bar and

about 61% of the field loss was due to shatter. Nave and Hoag(1975) investigated

12
different cutter bar and knife configurations mainly sickle and knife frequencies in a

laboratory test stand. Their results showed that knife section and guard spacing of less

than the conventional 76.2 mm would reduce plant stem acceleration and result in

shatter loss. Although physiology of lemon grass is different from that of soybean,

farmers will suffer the harvest loss in a way of crop damage and finally abandon the

crop if the cutter bar is not designed specially. Traditionally, the available literature

review are focused on vertical blade on the soil tillage or cutter bar cutting plant stem

but there a few review about horizontal cutter bar cutting soil structure and root system

especially closely related to harvesting of herb. Despite that, modified reasoning of

machine design has been applied on the harvesting of lemon grass, which may help

improve the harvesting efficiency of lemon grass. And a future research work on

efficiency of different cutter bar configuration on harvesting lemon grass is suggested to

determine the optimum performance.

The figures below display different kind of harvester cutter bar in terms of shape

and application. These cutter bars are mainly used for grain harvesting, for example,

soybean, maize, and other besides grass mowing.

Figure 2.4: Heterotypic harvester, sickle guard, and mower blades.

13
Figure 2.5: Cutter bars

Material:High quality 65Mn spring steel

Thickness: 2.00mm; 2.80mm

Surface Treatment: Only with anti-rust oil after quenching; varnish stoving; paint oil

stoving; galvanized; blueing; chromeplate, etc.

Main Application: Harvester blade (knife sections & ledger blade) are used in

harvesting machines like combine harvesters (New Holland, John Deere, Swaraj etc.),

straw reapers, mowers and hreshing machines, etc.

[Source: 1. WINDSOR agricultural implements and spare parts

2. www.grandeermachine.com
3. www.topmachinebiz.com ]

14
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

After the initial research steps were taken, the actual mechanism design

development of each component of the harvester took place. The machine is designed to

assist farmer without consuming much time and human power during lemon grass

harvesting operation.

The process began with brainstorming process of various concepts that had potential

to form the functional requirement of each component. However, there are a lot of

constraints in designing such a machine. The machine was designed basically based on

various parameter and constraints

i) Basic parameter of a lemon grass clump(height, width, and weight)

ii) Root depth

iii) Row and hill spacing

and other important considerations.

15
3.2 Design requirements

The machine will be designed so that farmers able to afford to buy it at reasonable

price and help farmers increase their harvesting efficiency during harvesting operation.

The desired features were displayed in list below:

• Tractor mounted

• Able to break up soil layer and cut off lemon grass root

• Lifting the lemon grass clump to conveyor

• Reduce physical damages to lemongrass bunches

• Feasibility in manufacturing process and material selection

• One row harvesting

16
3.3 Configuration option

The preliminary design of cutting blade, lifting tool, and conveyor is selected

from various sources include reference from technical book, the agricultural product

catalog available in market, and brainstorming processes. However, the design of the

machine is evolving through the real construction practices as to achieve feasibility in

manufacturing process.

There are three option of initial model of the implement that have its own

characteristic and disadvantages.

Option A will use big vertical and triangular blade to cut the root and slide the

clump by its body. The principle of the operation may be sound good, but its

supporting leg may not able to support the weight of blade of solid mass and pull force

from tractor while penetrating through the soil. Second, the cost factor is a very

important consideration in designing the machine. Since this type of blade may require

special machining, thus causing unexpectedly high cost to the project budget although

the machining of blade may able to cast various shape of cutting edge efficiently.

Option B will use a horizontal square blade to cut the root and slide the clump

afterward through its finger extensions. This configuration may be able to contribute a

lighter weight compared to that of option A since the blade is responsible for cutting

function solely. The blade must have sharp and smaller cutting area to cut the root

efficiently. The assistance of its finger may also help reduce the weight but this

structure may not able to last long with its inclined angle.

17
 Option C will use a long inclined V shape blade. The structure may be rigid

enough as to lift the clump and can be designed lighter so that the several supporting leg

able to support the long blade. However, the blade may convey a lot of soil mass

together with lemon grass clump during the tractor is moving.

Table 3.1: Description of sketches of concept design of lemon grass harvester

Concept A A big vertical and triangular blade,

which its width are about 600 mm and
thickness of more than 100mm , will be
used to cut the root of lemon grass
underground and simultaneously slide the
clump up onto the conveyor while the
tractor is moving forward.

Concept B A horizontal square blade, which its

dimensions of 600 x 30 x 10mm , will be
used to cut the root underground , then
the clump will slide onto the finger
which attached to the blade , thus drop
onto the conveyor while the tractor is
moving forward.

Concept C A long inclined V shape blade, which its

sub ground cutting edge will cut the root.
After that, the clump will slide onto its
body and then onto the conveyor.

18
 From the sketches above, the component of blade is the determining factor in these

configuration options because the blade design is affected by its shape, opening angle,

and other dimensions which are interdependent, thus affecting the lifting mechanism.

So the selection of suitable blade design should be carefully chosen as to contribute to

easy machinability in next step. The machine is desired as to cut off the root system of

the grass and then should be able to lift the clump onto a conveyor. Since the blade will

operate beneath 10cm depth the ridge, the blade is subjected to the threat of being blunt

after operating. A convenience of replaceability of the blade should be included in the

machine feature so that the efficiency of cutting has been maintained during the

operation. Also, the support leg of the blade faces the threat of distortion during the

operation. As a result, these two components should be designed properly at low cost

and have a feature of replaceability. Besides that, an lifting mechanism should be

designed so that a clump will be lifted just after the cutting mechanism. In short, a good

machine should be properly included these features.

There are three options of combining the root cutting mechanism and lifting

mechanism together. First, an option of triangular blade of 60 cm x 30 cm x 10 cm

(length x width x thickness) which requires a special machining as to able to cut off the

root and able to slide passively the clump of lemon grass through its body. This big

structure may require slightly high cost of material and machining as well as cause soil

loss during operation. Also, the fabrication of a long inclined V-shape blade also faces

the same problems besides a special connection between support leg and the blade need

to be designed so that the V-shape inclined blade is hung up as to lift the clump. The

triangular blade and incline V-shape blade expose their body to the soil as to slide the

19
clump onto the conveyor meanwhile they also cause soil resistance between the body

and the clump. The larger the exposed surface area of blade beneath the soil, the higher

the resistance the blade will face. As a result, these two option of blade should avoided

as to reduce cost, machinabilty, material usage, and soil resistance.

In relation to these reasons, the option of horizontal square blade can be arranged in

a way such that it has a V-shape opening as to minimize the soil resistance meanwhile it

will cause lesser soil loss when its radder bars slide passively the clump up. This is

because the gaps between the radder bars allow the excessive loose soil particles drop

down to ground as well as to minimize the contact area between the circular radder bars

and clump. Although the radder bars may be easily broken but a stronger strength of

material can be selected to support the mass of above 9 kg. This option is a material

saver compared to that of other two options because it need mild steel of dimension of

60 cm x 8 cm x 2 cm ( length x width x thickness) and about 10 pieces of iron bars of

length 40 cm. The choices of the conveyor can be varied according the requirements of

farm conditions. A roller conveyor will be preferred because its motion is synchronous

and running without slack.

In sum, the feasible concept is concept B.

20
3.4 Design concept

The experimental unit of lemon grass harvester has five crucial parts inclusive

roller conveyor, a pair of V-shape cutting blade with radder bars, frame, wheel, and

power transmission system.

Frame functions as overall physical machine supporter; most interesting part is

that the existing support structure of gearbox and the three point hitch linkage are

incorporated inside frame structure as back bone. After the tractor, a pair of submerged

lagging cutting blade with horizontal wide V-shape of 150 degrees angle will break up

the soil layer about depth of 10 cm beneath soil surface, thus separating the root system

and soil apart. As the motion of tractor and its lemon grass harvester are running, the

combined structure of cutting blade and its radder bars is pulled actively by tractor. The

exposed root system will slide passively onto the surface of radder bars after the soil-

root cutting process. In sequences, the lemon grass clump will be lifted up by angle of

30 degrees but the gravity force acts on the clump so that the clump thus drops onto

roller conveyor nearby. However, irregular sharp metal strip are welded on the surface

of roller conveyor as to help lifting the clump onto conveyor. A sketch of the

experimental unit of the lemon grass harvester is as shown in Appendices, page 53.

21
3.5 Blade for soil root cutting mechanism

There are four sketches of different type of cutting blade have been produced

after considering the current machine requirement and agronomy of lemon grass. The

blades have been visualized and compared their advantages and disadvantages as below

according to design criteria especially its machinability.

These four types of blade connected with its radder bars which are desired to lift

the clump onto conveyor after cutting off the root of the grass. To facilitate the

feasibility of blade design, its advantages and disadvantages from each blade design

should be compared as to produce a desired cutting performance. The triangular blade is

usually used in grain harvesting because it cut the stem effectively in air by its

concentrated cutting force in centre. However, its knife head will be blunt in a shorter

time compared to that of operating in air since the blade is expected to operating in soil.

The second option is the horizontal blade which requires simple machinability , but it

faces high soil resistance when it is operating in soil. As a result, a modification should

be applied on horizontal blade as to reduce the soil resistance, thus introducing two

different opening angles of V- shape blade of 45o and 75o which will face reduced soil

resistance when they are operating in the soil. However, the V- shape blade of angle 75o

will be selected since this design will save the material usage by its larger length

coverage as compared to that of V- shape blade of angle 45o.

In sum, a proper selection of blade should stick to the project objective and

design requirements. The feasible design of blade is design D.

22
Table 3.2: The sketches show the variety of shape of cutting blade.

Advantage Disadvantage
Design A: Horizontal triangular blade -Concentrated cutting -Easy blunt knife
force in centre head.

-Not suitable in
cutting soil.

Design B: long and horizontal square - Simple machinability -High soil resistance
blade

Design C: V-shape blade with angle of -Reduced soil resistance -Increased

45o (Hassan bin Osman, 1988). machinability

Design D: V-shape blade with angle of -Reduced soil resistance -Increased

75o machinability
-Material saver(larger
length coverage)

23
3.6 Component for lifting mechanism

The radder bar functions to lift the lemon grass clump passively while the clump

slide onto it.( Hassan bin Osman,1988) There are several considerations should be taken

care of when designing the dimension of radder bars as to maximize the performance of

lifting mechanism. The shape of radder bars should be cylindrical as to minimize the

contact friction between clump and surface of radder bars. Although there is a gap

between each radder bar, the clump may occupy the gap down. But, clump may not

easily fall apart since it is come in clustered mass with its fibrous root system. Second,

the speed of tractor is operating above 2km/h and the length of radder bar is designed to

be less than 400mm.

Displacement
Velocity =
Time

0 .4
Time = = 0.72 sec
0.5556

The short reaction time is required that lemon grass slides onto conveyor after

the cutting of its root. Thus, the clump should be transferred to conveyor before

sufficient time is allowed for the clump to become fallen apart.

The angle of inclination, Ө of radder bars should equal or less to 45o as to avoid

incapability of sliding up of clump which will create a clump blockage on the radder

bars and affect the lifting mechanism of next lemon grass clump. Meanwhile its angle

of inclination should create an elevated height of more than 13 cm because this elevated

24
height will not only lift the clump but will also avoid the conveyor from suffering the

damage during the machine is working close to the ground.

The strength of radder bars is crucial in determining the ability resisting the

maximum weight of lemon grass of 9 kg as stated in Hafiz‘s report besides unknown

conveyed soil mass. Since the project aims to build a component of a cutting and lifting

mechanism of the lemon grass harvester, the mild steel should serve its purpose during

the experiment as to save project cost.

Figure 3.1: Soil-root cutting blade and its radder bars

Figure 3.2: Opening angle of cutting blade.

25
3.7 Conveyor

The machine is working close to soil surface thus may cause the machine

subject to threat of damage during its working operation. Careful dealing with various

constraints is required to fulfill the project objectives. Since the elevated height of

fingers is around 13-16 cm and the consideration of thickness of frame, there are several

options for selecting suitable conveyors: belt conveyor, chain conveyor, and roller

conveyor for conveying operation

Although belt conveyor is commonly used in industry, its slippage in

transmission may not suitable in this case for conveying the lemon grass clump during

the operation is running. This is because next clump will be cut in next minute after

previous cutting of lemon grass root. If there are blockage occurs in conveyor due to

decreased conveying efficiency, it will affect the next clump conveying and slow down

the operation.

Chain conveyor may be suitable for this experiment. Chain conveyor have the

advantage of lighter weight, low vibration effect, and synchronized motion as to ensure

smooth conveying operation, but large diameter of sprockets are required to transmit

power to support weight of clump. Besides that it may not be suitable to support the

weight of lemon grass clump especially in inclined direction while its sprockets close to

soil surface. It may require high cost of industrial chain for transporting the clump of

maximum 9 kg.

26
 The application of roller conveyor has its advantages similar to that of chain

conveyor, but it has at least three separate rollers with smaller size of sprocket. It is also

costly and high maintenance as compared to that of belt type. Although the roller

conveyor also faces the threat of damage while working close to soil surface, it can be

replaceable either by parts or by whole small system. It is suggested that a small roller

conveyor can used after the lemon grass uplifting process by fingers, thus the clump

will be passed to other larger conveyor system either of roller conveyor or chain

conveyor for future research work. By comparison, the roller conveyor is selected for

serving the project objectives.

By combining the selected component, the functional requirement of cutting,

uplifting, and primary conveying mechanism of lemon grass will be fulfilled by using

Concept B with Design D: a pair of V-shape blade with angle of 75o each and roller

conveyor system.

27
3.8 Design calculation

3.8.1 Draft force

To pull an implement at a given speed in the field, the total amount of draft,

which is the draft force required to pull a complete implement in the field , must be

known. The unit draft is the draft force required to pull some unit of the tool. Total draft

is therefore the sum of the unit draft. Total draft consists of draft force of cutting blade,

draft force required to pull the rest of component of lemon grass harvester (gearbox,

frame, and roller conveyor).

To calculate the draft force of soil cutting blade, the following factor must be

considered:

a. Width of the tool

b. Depth of cutting

c. Ground speed

d. Soil resistance

Soil resistance is based on texture, but may vary widely within a textural class

depending on characteristic such as looseness (i.e. density), moisture content, and subtle

changes in particle size distribution.

Generally, a moist sandy loam soil would have about 6.4 pounds of resistance per

square inch or 44 kPa(Technical note 21.Soil, draft, and traction; Dirt Hog’s

companion). However, shear stress of sandy loam available in Taman Pertanian

28
Universiti(TPU) is 1.22 pounds of resistance per square inch or 8.42 kPa at a soil

moisture content of 20.74 %( Boon, 2005). A dry sandy loam would have a much

greater draft, and therefore require more power to cut through the soil, than a moist

sandy soil loam. However, there is high humidity in soil of Malaysia due to its tropical

climate with shinny and rainy day contributes to different moisture content of soil

throughout the year.

Consider a 45 cm cutting blade penetrate 10 cm deep of a ridge has a 450 square

centimeter cross section area (width of tool x depth) operating at a speed of 3.2 km/hrs.

A moist sandy loam soil would have about 6.4 pounds of resistance per square inch or

44 kPa will be taken as reference in this calculation.

Data:

Width, w=45 cm= 1.47 ft

Depth, h= 10cm = 0.328 ft

Area, A= 450 cm2 = 0.482 ft2

Speed = 3.2 km/hrs = 1.988 mph

Shear strength of moist sandy loam soil, б = 6.4 pounds of resistance per square inch

Unit draft = w x h x б (Dirt Hog’s Companion. Technical Note 21)

Unit draft of two cutting blade = 6.4 x 0.482 x2 = 6.17 lb of resistance

Draft force required to pull the rest of component of lemon grass harvester

(gearbox, frame, and roller conveyor) is estimated about 30kg or 66.138 pound and

29
maximum mass of 2 lemon grass clump of 18 kg or 39.68 pound on the harvester

during the operation.

Total draft = 6.17 + 66.138 + 39.68

= 111.98 pound

3.8.2 Supporting leg

The figure below illustrates a supporting leg of length 70cm which is connected

to a V shape blade and the frame by screw. Although the height of a lemon grass plant

may reach up to 120 cm( Hafiz, 2008), but the length of supporting leg has been

reduced to 70cm due to the constraint of PTO height of tractor. However, this

constraint will not damage the quality of lemon grass as its stalk contains high yield of

oil content than that of its leaves and the useless leaves will be discarded. Also, this

supporting leg is subject to high resistance and moment during operation when its

length is too long, thus this supporting leg should be designed as to resist the opposing

resistance. As a result, the supporting leg can be replaceable easily if there is any failure

occurs and the effective length of supporting leg has been reduced to 61cm where

measurement starts from position of screw to the blade.

30
Figure 3.3: Depth of a supporting leg during operation is carried out

Figure 3.4: A supporting leg in cantilever condition.

31
Figure 3.5: Shear force and bending moment diagram for cantilever beam of a

supporting leg

The joint is assumed to be fixed as to able to resist moment. The pattern of

resistance is estimated as triangular which influence of resistance increases with the

increasing length beneath the soil. The value of parameters is given as below:

Diameter, D = 1 in = 2.54 cm

Working length, L = 61 cm

h/3 = 10/3 cm

L-h/3 = 57.67 cm

Unit draft = w x h x б

= 1986 N

32
Moment, M = unit draft x (L-h/3)

= 114.554 kNm

Rx= 0

Ry= 1986 N

πr 4
Second moment of area of supporting leg, I = ; r = radius
4

= 2.04 x10-8 m4

Center distance = D/2

= 0.0127 m

Mc
Bending stress, б = ± (Marshek, K. M., 1987)
I

114.554 x 0.0127
= ±
2.04 x10 −8

= ± 71.32 M Pa

Circular area, Ac = πr2 = 5.067 x 10-4 m2

4V
Shear stress, τmax = (Budynas, R. G, 2008)
3 Ac

4 x1986
=
3 x5.067 x10 − 4

= 5.225 MPa

33
Take factor of safety =2

Yield strength, sy = 2б

=142.64 MPa

Material selection:

1018 mild steel

Ultimate tensile strength =63,800 psi = 439MPa

Yield strength =53,700psi= 370MPa

Elongation =15%

Rockwell hardness =B71

Modulus of Elasticity = 200 GPa (Eagle national steel, 2009)

PL3
Deflection at the unsupported end =
3EI

1986 x(61x10 −2 ) 3
=
3 x(200 x10 9 ) x(2.04 x10 −8 )

= 0.0368 m

Although the calculated yield value of 142.64 MPa of the supporting leg is

lower than that of 1018 mild steel, which is 370 MPa. But the supporting leg is

stretched under force without failure by the value of theoretical deflection which is 3.68

cm when it is assumed operating under the soil. The longer the length the cantilever

34
beam, the larger the deflection it is. Since the length of supporting leg is constrained by

the height of lemon grass and position of power takeoff of tractor, the length of 61 cm is

the minimum requirement. From the calculations, the length of supporting leg which is

61 cm is going to be distorted and need to be replaced after operations. To reduce the

deflection, a stronger material of higher modulus of elasticity and larger diameter

should be used as the supporting leg by assumed its length and the load distribution is as

indicated as above.

35
 3.8.3 Radder bars

Consider a cutting blade having 6 radder bars of diameter, D of 1cm each and its

distance from centre to centre of the radder bars is 5cm. The inclined angle of 30o of

radder bars was taken as to lift the grass up. As a result, there are a total number of

radder bars of 12 for a pair of cutting blade and the maximum estimated height of

radder bar from soil surface, h is 25.45 cm which is the lifted elevation for the position

of roller conveyor installation. The design of radder bar help lifting the grass up from

the ground and avoid the roller conveyor suffering the damage during the operation

where is closer to the ground. The table below showing the lengths of radder bar which

installed on the other edge of the cutting blade opposite to that of sharp cutting blade.

Table 3.3: Length of radder bars which attached to a soil cutting blade

Radder bars Length (cm)

A 36
B 37
C 39
D 40
E 41
F 43

Figure 3.6: Uniform load distribution is applied on the radder bars.

36
Figure 3.7: Shear force and bending moment diagram of radder bars system.

Assume the length of longest radder bar is 43 cm

Rx = 0 N

Ry = 63.3 N

Moment, M is 13.6095 Nm at the end of support

Since the maximum moment will be shared by at least 10 radder bars if in case

of smaller diameter of clump. The moment is increasing as the length of radder bar is

increasing. By considering the longest length of radder bar, average moment of each

radder bar is 1.36 Nm at the end of support. Despite of that, the whole radder bar system

should be able to resist this bending moment in a short reaction time of 0.72 second

when the clump is sliding on the surface of radder bars.

37
3.8.4 Roller conveyor

Figure 3.8: Sprocket system configuration

The sprocket system configuration above illustrates the position of roller

conveyor and its related components. The system is a part of lifting mechanism of

lemon grass with its power source from power take-off (PTO) of tractor. First, the PTO

shaft of a tractor will transmit the power to gearbox, and then the speed reducer gearbox

will reduce the rotational speed. However, the sprocket system is designed to increase

38
the rotational speed thereby increase the forward speed of roller conveyor. As a results,

the following steps was carried out to determine the suitable dimension of the sprocket

A, B, and C as to increase the forward speed of roller which is 1.5 times faster than that

of the tractor of assumed operating forward speed 3.2 km/h. This forward speed of

roller conveyor is required to transfer the clump of the grass faster to the next stage of

conveying mechanism before any blockage occur during the lifting mechanism.

From the data available:

Power take-off (PTO) speed = 540 rpm with engine at 2199 rpm.

Speed ratio of reducer gearbox = 2:1

N PTO
Speed ratio = Ng

540
Speed of shaft after reducer gearbox, Ng= = 270 rpm
2

Since sprocket C is on the same shaft as above,

>>speed of sprocket C, NC = 270 rpm

The sprockets are keyed on the shaft to transmit the power except sprocket C is splined

on the shaft to receive 270 rpm from reducer gearbox.

Tractor is assumed operating optimum on the speed of 3.2 km/h = 8/9 ms-1 when the

harvesting operation of lemon grass is running.

Given that diameter of roller, D= 2 inch = 5.08cm

39
The factor 1.5x was taken into account as shown in the following calculations.

Conveyor speed = 1.5 x (8/9) ms-1 = 4/3 ms-1

For simplicity, assume the entire sprocket A system is of the same dimension on the

shaft of roller conveyor. Since the sprocket A system is located closer to edge of

conveyor, so smaller size of sprocket of 57.07 mm pitch diameter is selected as to

minimize the contact between lemon grass clump and sprocket A.

V= r Ѡ
2πN
= r ( 60 )

5.08 x10 −2 2πN

4/3= ( )( )
2 60

>> Speed of sprocket A system, NA = 501.28 rpm

Speed of sprocket B is similar to that sprocket 1 since they are on the same shaft.

NB = 501.28 rpm

Because there constraint of longer shaft which sprocket C is splined onto, one of the

shaft of system sprocket is designed to be 125 cm long where sprocket B is keyed as to

match sprocket B and sprocket C in line to power transmission.

Diameter sprocket C of 137.64mm is selected.

Nc D
= B
NB DC

40
 270 DB
=
501.28 137.64

DB= 74.13 mm

As a result, a sprocket of closer diameter of 73.14 mm is selected.

N C DB
=
NB DC

270 73.14
=
NB 137.64

NB= 508.1 rpm

The steps above are recalculated as get a new speed of sprocket B which is 508.1 rpm.

V= r Ѡ
2πN
=r( )
60

5.08 x10 −2 2π (508.1)

V= ( )( ) = 1.35 m/s
2 60

Then, the forward speed of conveyor, V is 1.35 m/s

After detailed calculations, the table below summaries all the related dimension of

sprockets will be used in the roller conveyor system.

Table 3.4: The related data of sprocket in chain transmission system (Pitch 12.7 mm)

Sprocket Pitch diameter, Number of teeth Revolution(rpm)

D( mm)
1 57.07 14 508.1
2 73.14 18 508.1
3 137.64 34 270

41
3.9 Laboratory testing

The machine was tested in the laboratory to identify its weakness and find any

improvement to correct its problems after its fabrication of machine. The aim of

laboratory testing is ensure the machine achieves the project objectives. However, there

is no field test was carried out due to technical problems. The laboratory testing

includes testing on chain transmission, visual inspections of machine and position of

blade after installation as well as measurement of mismatched gaps due to construction

errors. As a result, a field testing should be carried out after the problems have been

tackled first in next project.

42
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The experimental unit of lemon grass harvester have been inspected after it

assembly. Since there are limited time constraint, initial laboratory testing can be done

up to this stage.

Result of laboratory inspection/testing as below:

1. The blades are screwed well in position after modification. However, there are

some alignments of supporting leg when it was screwed onto frame due to

clearance inside the cylinder. Although like this, the supporting leg able pulls

the blade beneath the ridge when mounted to tractor but also support the

gearbox when the harvester detached from three points hitch linkage. One point

to be emphasized here is there in no lemon grass planted in laboratory ridge and

the ridge is artificially soft.

2. The length of radder bar has been underestimated due to a gap distance of 5cm

because construction error in forming the angle of radder bars and extra height

of wheel. Some bridging metal of 2 x 2 cm have been welded on surface of

roller conveyors as to griping the root of clump from the end of radder bars.

Although there are about 3 cm of uncovered gap between radder bars and roller

conveyor, the bottom of cross section of clump is 60cm, which is larger than the

gap, should be pass onto conveyor with assistance of bridging metals. The

43
 bridging metal of 2 x 2cm is a very thin metal of about thickness of 0.4cm and

its material is mild steel of 200GPa.

3. The slack of chain tension affects efficiency of the chain drive transmission

during the conveying mechanism, thus the forward speed of roller conveyed

have been reduced. A suggestion of installation of tensioner should be adopted

as to avoid the reduction of forward speed of conveyor. The proper adjustment

of the speed of tractor and the rods of all conveyors beyond the cutting blade

and its fingers are covered with rubber or plastic to reduce damage of crop and

efficiency of transmission system in the primary conveying operation.

( Kepner,R.A.,1972)

4. The third shaft of roller conveyor is too long where there is a one unsupported-

end cantilever of 25cm from bearing and a sprocket of pitch diameter 73.14mm

in its end. This design of third shaft of roller conveyor is unavoidable because

there is no modification being allowed on the length of transmission shaft of

gear box. The deflection of third shaft of the conveyor is visible.

5. The roller wheel is improperly selected to be installed in this experimental unit

of lemon grass harvester. The main reason for this error is insufficient

experience in selecting suitable wheel for agricultural uses. A agricultural tire of

proper size should be selected as to support the weight of machine and to reduce

pressure on surface of ground during operation especially in a soft or muddy

farm land.

6. Wrong selection of hollow square mild steel as part of frame which cause the

screwed area are dented by pressure of screw.

44
Figure 4.1: Front view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester

Figure 4.2: Right-hand side view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester

45
Figure 4.3: Left-hand side view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester

Figure 4.4: Back view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester

Figure 4.5 Top view of experimental unit of lemon grass harvester

46
Figure 4.6: Connection between the frame and supporting leg

Figure 4.7: Cutting blades and its radder bars

Figure 4.8: Chain transmission system

47
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS

This report includes two main phases: the planning of machine design and

hardware fabrication.

The first phase, the planning of machine design involves defining project scope

and brainstorming for preparing a new machine design of components of cutting and

lifting mechanism of a lemon grass harvester which its purpose serves for small scale

production. There are demonstrations of many basic mechanical principle and ideas in

designing the functionality of the machine which consists of three main parts: lifting

mechanism, root cutting mechanism, and chain power transmission. These three parts

are all written into a header file, so that the related theoretical calculations able to

display the logical technical information about the machine. The design of lifting

mechanism is most interesting, since there are many obstacles such as simultaneous

motion of soil breaking up and lifting mechanism as well as meeting the set up and hold

times. The interaction of several simple mechanical parts which are a pair of wide V

shape cutting blades, radder bars, and roller conveyor are making up the critical part of

the machine. The wide V-shape cutting blades break up the soil and accommodate the

lemon grass clump instantly while reducing the soil friction resistance. Since all the

components of the machine are in continuous motion, the clump will immediately be

conveyed to roller conveyor by inclined radder bars as a gap bridging.

48
 The second phase, hardware fabrication involves implementing and revising the

plan. The project requires proper considerations of material cost and physical

construction of the work packages of the machine besides good coordination in

arranging the material, machines, tools, time, and manual labor. The processes, in

general, include geometry matching and joining of multiple parts to make an assembled

machine. The work packages are carried out as a sequence of operation, which are

accomplished by a combination of machines, tools, power, and manual labor.

In sum, the project objectives were completed and the weaknesses of this

experimental unit of lemon grass were identified as in chapter 4.

There are a number of future extensions that may be done on this project. They

are as follow:

A. Design of chain conveyor extension and its storage bin

B. Design a cover for chain drive transmission

C. Redesign a new stronger frame and suitable chain drive transmission system for

supporting roller conveyor and chain conveyor.

D. Select suitable agricultural tires and design its power transmission system.

E. Suggesting a new planting spacing of lemon grass for a better harvesting

performance.

49
 REFERENCE

1. BIO Daun Plantation Sdn Bhd, (7 october 2008)

http://www.mfa.org.my/?franchise-news:bio-daun-offers-lemongrass-

franchise-opportunities:20K098F515,

2. Boon N.E.; Yahya A.; Kheiralla A.F.; Wee B.S.; Gew S.K. ( 2005)

A Tractor–mounted, Automated Soil Penetrometer-shearometer Unit for

Mapping Soil Mechanics Properties. Universiti Putra Malaysia.

3. Budynas, R. G.; Nisbett, J. K., (2008) Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering

Design , Eigth Edition, McGraw-Hill.

4. Dirt Hog’s Companion. Technical Note 21.Soil, Draft, and Traction. (5/3/2011)

www.soil.ncsu.edu/upen_furrow/Documents/DHK/soi,%20Draft,%20and%20Tr

action.pdf

5. Dunn, W.R., Nave, W.R and Butler,B.J. (1973)

Combine header component losses in soybean. Trans ASAE16(6): 1032-1035

6. Essential oil crops: production guidelines for lemon grass

http://www.daff.gov.za/docs/Brochures/EssOilsLemongrass.pdf

Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Republic of South Africa,

2009

7. Hafiz bin Hazir(2008). Conceptual Development of A Lemon Grass Harvester,

final year student project, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

50
8. Hassan bin Osman(1988). Pembangunan Jentuai Kacang Tanah, final year

student project, Universiti Putra Malaysia

9. Hj Sauadi bin Hj Hamid (30/10/10; 22:29)

http://jasabumiagrofarm.blogspot.com/2008_10_01_archive.html

10. Eagle national steel(2009)

http://www.eaglesteel.com/download/techdocs/Carbon_Steel_Grades.pdf

11. http://www.grandeermachine.com/search.html?g=398449 (3/3/2011)

12. http://www.topmachinebiz.com/product/484405/Harvester-Blade.htm

(3/3/2011)

13. Kepner, R.A.; Bainer R.; Barger E.L. (1972), Principles of Farm Machinery,

Second Edition, The Avi Publishing Company,Inc.

14. Marshek, K. M., (1987) ,Design of Machine and Structural Parts, John Wiley&

Sons, New York,.

15. Nave,W.R. and Hoag, D.L. 1975.

Relationship of sickle guard spacing and sickle frequency to soybean shatter loss.

Trans ASAE 18(4): 630-632,637

16. Profitable soybean harvesting, 1984

http://extension.agron.iastate.edu/soybean/documents/PM573.pdf

Cooperative extension service, Lowa State Univesity. ( 14/5/11)

51
17. Quick,G.R. (1973). Laboratory Analysis of the combine header. Trans ASAE

16(1): 5-12

18. Shigley, J. E.; Mischke, C. R., (2001)

Mechanical Engineering Design, Sixth Edition, McGraw-Hill.

19. WINDSOR agricultural implements and spare parts. (3/3/2011)

http://www.discplough.com/blades.html

24. Zam Abdul Karim , Malacca Biotechnology Corp (19 Aug 2010)

http://www.daganghalal.com/HalalNews/HalalNewsDtl.aspx?id=1554

(31/10/10; 2:11)

52
 APPENDICES

Figure A.1: Sketch of the experimental unit of lemon grass harvester.

53